ATTN: Clownfish Breeders

[Domboski]

After 5+ years of failure I finally was able to pair up my Clarkii Clownfish a few weeks ago. To my surprise, today I found eggs all over the glass in a corner of my tank. I do not have the proper skills with my camera to get it focused on the back corner where the eggs are located so no pics .

I'm going to do research now on rearing them but thought I'd post here to see if anyone has some quick info or tips.

Here is a few initial questions:

• Should I wait for the eggs to hatch and try to scoop up the larvae?
• What should I use to scoop them up? I heard nets cause damage to the larvae. Is that true?
• Should I remove the eggs from the glass? If so, How?

 

[ellebelle]

You need one of those net contraptions like Sanjay used. I think Jonathan has a photograph of it.

 

[prattreef]

You can't remove the eggs from the glass. You will have to use a larval capture devise as Lissa alluded to. This also means you need be around when they hatch which means you need to know how long the eggs develop before hatching and when they spawned. I think you should pass on this brood and prepare for the next one. If you can get them to accept a removable tile or some other substrate as a spawning site, then you don't need to hassle as much.

 

[bad coffee]

if you're going to try and raise them, why not try the next batch.

Joyce Wilkerson suggests putting a piece of tile near their breeding spot. Since the fish like nice flat surfaces (like your tank wall) they lay the eggs on the tile, then you move the tile to the hatching setup.

You can borrow my clownfish book, let me know. Or just go buy your own copy. It's a must read if you're thinking about breeding clownfish.

Also, you could PM Clownfishking and ask for tips.

B

 

[Domboski]

Thanks guys. Frankly I'm shocked the eggs are ok with all of the predators in the same tank. Speaks a lot about the protection provided by the clownfish.

I guess I'll let the first run turn into a treat for the other tank inhabitants while I do some more research.

My "anemonefishes" by Gerald Allen book is a little out of date :biggrin:

Thanks Brett. I'll purchase the book online so I can reference it at my leisure. This way I won't hold yours hostage :wink1:.

I'm just excited that my old Clarkii paired up!

 

[ellebelle]

She was just picky and waiting for the right boyfriend.

 

[Domboski]

She was quite the "man eater"

So from what I've read so far, the items I have on hand for my seahorses seem to be useful for rearing clownfish:

1-Live Phyto (I have two types)
2- Live Rotis
3- BBS
4- Kreisel system

If I had a larvae gatherer of some sort it seems I'd have all of the basics :scratch: Comments?

 

[ellebelle]

I don't think you need a Kreisal system (though I could be wrong). I think the air snicking and buoyancy issues aren't a problem with clowns.

The book Brett recommended is a really good. I borrowed it from him when I was thinking of getting clownfish. I think they have a chapter on breeding.

 

[Domboski]

The Kreisel system seems like a nice extra.

 

[Bob 1000]

Dom My denitrifier is producing those mini pods again I could bring you some when you needs them.. Michael knows where to get the net contraption from he uses them to keep small clingfish..

 

[Domboski]

Dom My denitrifier is producing those mini pods again I could bring you some when you needs them.. Michael knows where to get the net contraption from he uses them to keep small clingfish..

Thanks Tobin! I'll hit you up soon for some. I'll also see Michael soon so I'll ask him about the collector.

 

[brich1027]

Congrats on pairing your Clarkii

how many attempts have you made over the years? Did you do anything different this time?

 

[Domboski]

I've tried about 4-5 times. Once though I added about 6-8 small clarkii's all at once. I've tried every method you can find on the Internet. The only thing different this time was I added two small Clarkii's and I assumed they would be killed. I had no hope whatsoever. As luck would have it, she killed one and fell :inlove: with the other

 

[brich1027]

My mother in law bought me a 3" Clarki for christmas. I went and picked up a second one this past thursday about 2-2 1/2" to see if I would have anyluck pairing them. The first day it seemed like she(?) couldn't care less that the new one was in there, but since friday night she(?) hasn't stopped chasing the new one around, I just don't want her(?) to kill the little guy, I have the new one in a clear container in the tank, I don't know if that will help at all. Hopefully she(?) will get used to having it in the tank and won't be so agressive when I let it out again.

 

[Domboski]

From what I'm told it is better to do the reverse. Have the established clownfish in the clear container so the new one can get used to the tank and familiar with the hiding places. After about a week, you release the established clownfish back into the tank.

 

[brich1027]

That makes sense, thanks for the suggestion. I will give that a try.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

the larvae collecting tool could be an elbowed pvc pipe with some more pvc pieces, an air pump, and a small led to lure the newly hatched to the vacum if you cannot get the eggs on a removable tile.

 

[Domboski]

the larvae collecting tool could be an elbowed pvc pipe with some more pvc pieces, an air pump, and a small led to lure the newly hatched to the vacum if you cannot get the eggs on a removable tile.

Thanks Wingo

 

[sanjay]

Want me to ship you my larval collector ?

sanjay.

 

[Domboski]

Want me to ship you my larval collector ?

sanjay.

Thanks Sanjay . I'm definitely going to drive down on the 31st so maybe I can grab it from you there.